We found part of the jawbone of an animal in our yard (it even has the teeth in it), and would like to dig and see if we can find the rest of the animal. We thought digging for the rest of the skeleton would be a great science fair project, but would like to go about the "dig" in the right way. Can you give any hints or tips?
-- Laura, Web post

Dr. dig responds:
There are several points that you need to think about when embarking on a project like this. Most importantly, you have to consider whether digging is appropriate at all.

Archaeology is a destructive process, and it is impossible to put a site back once it has been excavated. Digging always has to be a last resort, and it is totally unacceptable to go on a spate of random digging. As all readers of DIG know, a great deal of irreparable damage is done by enthusiastic amateurs who make holes in ancient sites. Any investigation of a cemetery, grave, or other sacred site must be avoided as it could be offensive to the people concerned. Permission must always be obtained from the landowner, any relevant authority and, in the case of junior excavators, from a parent or responsible adult. Next you must consider your own safety. Because earth can harbor disease, it is important that all excavators have an up-to-date tetanus shot. Consider where you are digging river beds, cliffs, gravel pits, old mines all can be dangerous, so it is best to have an adult check it out. Never dig up anything that has been recently buried. This is particularly important when digging up bones. You must not dig anything that still has flesh on it, as this, too, could cause disease. Again, get an adult to check it out. Archaeological trowels are sharp‹be careful when you work!

In this case, as the bones are in your yard, are not part of a wider archaeological site, and are old, excavation is acceptable as long as you have permission to dig. You should mark out an excavation area around the bones, using string and pins. This will help you to plan. Dig with a pointed archaeological trowel, carefully saving all pieces of bone in labeled bags. You should draw plans as you work, and should take photographs, recording your work in a field logbook. When all the bones have been found, you should take them for expert analysis. Good luck!